Mitch,

Maybe Jane Bryant Quinn should meet Fred Lynch before she goes on again about the need for universal health coverage.

If Lynn and others are willing to tap their 401(k) retirement savings to pay for medical care for their pets, why should we not expect them to do the same for some of their health needs?

Saying that opponents of the euphemistic “Medicare for all” support the current system is like saying people who don’t like Brussels sprouts are against green vegetables. I don’t like insurance companies deciding what’s best for my family any more than I like government bureaucrats deciding. The only way to stop them is to keep them from paying the bill, which they do for six of every seven dollars spent on health care. Out-of-pocket costs are almost non-existent for most people.

Having a health savings account for just over six months has already made me a smarter consumer of medical care. I have indeed, as research suggests, forgone some procedures, but this has not affected my health.

So let’s really give markets a chance for those who can afford medical care and use small programs like a high-risk pool for those who cannot.